# angular

/ˈæŋɡjəɫɝ/ (US) · /ˈænɡjʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/angular
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. sharp-cornered

adjective · CEFR B2

having sharp corners or many straight lines instead of curves.

For teachers: possessing or forming clear angles; characterized by sharp corners rather than smooth curves.

- The modern building had a very angular design with lots of glass and sharp edges.
- The architect's preference for angular structures created a striking contrast against the rolling, organic curves of the surrounding hills.

### 3. measured by an angle

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to the measurement of an angle.

For teachers: measured by or relating to an angle or the movement around a central point.

- The teacher explained how to calculate the angular distance between two stars.
- The satellite's angular velocity must be precisely maintained to ensure it remains in a geostationary orbit above the equator.

### 4. stiff or awkward

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

moving in a way that is not smooth or graceful; also used for a person who is difficult to get along with.

For teachers: lacking grace or smoothness in movement; figuratively used to describe a stiff or prickly personality.

- The robot moved with stiff, angular motions that looked very unnatural.
- His angular personality made it difficult for him to integrate into the relaxed, collaborative atmosphere of the creative team.

### 5. a jaw bone

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a specific bone found in the lower jaw of some animals like birds and fish.

For teachers: a dermal bone in the lower jaw of most reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

- The scientist examined the angular bone of the fossil to identify the species.
- In many non-mammalian vertebrates, the angular is a major structural component of the mandible, situated posteriorly to the dentary.

## Examples

- The new building has a sharp, angular design.
- Her angular face, with high cheekbones and a pointed chin, stood out in the soft-focus photograph.
- The architect rejected the traditional dome in favor of an angular, geometric structure that reflected the city's modern industrial identity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.